New Indoor Shooting Range Opens in Ladakh to Boost Shooting Sports

The inauguration of a new indoor shooting range in Ladakh marks a significant step forward for shooting sports in the region. This facility, which operates year-round, aims to provide athletes and the public with greater access to shooting sports, fostering talent development and participation. With support from the local government and the Ladakh Shooting Association, this initiative is set to create a robust shooting ecosystem in Ladakh, paving the way for future athletes to excel in competitive shooting. The NRAI emphasizes the importance of grassroots development and accessibility in sports, making this facility a crucial addition to the region's sporting infrastructure.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 3, 2026, 17:17 IST

Inauguration of Indoor Shooting Range

A major advancement for shooting sports in Ladakh has been marked by the opening of a state-of-the-art indoor Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting range at the newly constructed Sports Complex of the Ladakh Police in Leh. This facility, which can be utilized year-round, was inaugurated by V.K. Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, in August, as reported in a press release.

The Ladakh Shooting Association (LSA) collaborated with the Ladakh Police to establish this facility. The inauguration event saw the presence of notable figures including Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of Ladakh; Anant Jain, DGP Ladakh; K. Sultan Singh, Vice President of NRAI; Gawa Norboo, President of LSA; along with other senior officials and dignitaries from the UT Government.

Significance of the New Facility

This new shooting range is a vital enhancement to the sporting infrastructure in Ladakh, offering athletes a venue that remains operational throughout the year, regardless of the region's harsh weather conditions. It will be open to students, the general public, and police personnel, thereby broadening participation and aiding in the identification of shooting talent.

NRAI President's Remarks on Grassroots Development

Kalikesh Singh Deo, the President of NRAI, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, emphasizing its role in fostering grassroots development in shooting sports within Ladakh. He stated, "The launch of this indoor shooting range is a significant milestone for shooting sports in Ladakh. Our goal at NRAI is to ensure that young talents across India have access to the necessary facilities and opportunities to engage in the sport and advance competitively. Given Ladakh's unique geographical and climatic challenges, a facility like this can truly make a difference. We appreciate the commitment of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the UT Government, Ladakh Police, and the LSA in promoting shooting in the region. We anticipate seeing more young shooters from Ladakh emerge through this initiative."

Government Support and Future Developments

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh praised the initiative, underscoring the necessity of establishing sporting facilities that are accessible year-round. He also revealed plans for the UT Government to support the development of additional shooting ranges in various districts across Ladakh.

Emphasis on Access and Talent Development

Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, highlighted that the new facility will serve as a crucial platform for increasing participation and identifying local talent. He remarked, "This marks a significant start for shooting sports in Ladakh. For any sporting ecosystem to thrive, access is essential, and this facility provides that access in a structured and sustainable way. By opening the range to students, the public, and police personnel, we can introduce more individuals to the sport and create a larger talent pool. With ongoing support from the UT Government and the LSA, we are optimistic that this initiative can cultivate a robust shooting ecosystem throughout Ladakh."

Operational Management and Future Vision

The Ladakh Shooting Association, in partnership with the Ladakh Police, will manage the operations of the facility, ensuring it is available for training and participation. This range is expected to provide aspiring shooters in Leh with the chance to train locally, eliminating the need to travel outside the UT for basic training facilities.

NRAI has been dedicated to expanding the reach of shooting sports beyond established centers and enhancing the grassroots sporting ecosystem nationwide. The opening of the facility in Leh aligns with this vision of making shooting more accessible and creating opportunities for athletes from various geographical backgrounds.

With the UT Government's commitment to establishing more shooting ranges across Ladakh, this initiative is poised to lay the groundwork for a broader network of shooting facilities in the region, facilitating the entry of more athletes from Ladakh into the national shooting sports pathway.